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2007 NEDine.com's 'The Pat Whitley Restaurant Show '
posted by Cynthia, Seabrook, NH
"The menu is contemporary gourmet cuisine. It is also very 'kid' friendly with a seperate children's menu. I had the crab cakes, which were the best that I ever had anywhere (filled with crabmeat & rolled in shredded Phyllo dough, which made them crispy & delightful). My husband had the Burger. It was served with roasted portabella, wilted spinach, tomato chutney, applewood smoked bacon & cheddar. The two other members of our party opted for a vegetarian platter, which was made especially for them. The service was outstanding. Our waiter, Kevin, was so accommodating & attentive to our requests."
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2007 Mtn. Ear, Conway Daily Sun, Carroll County Independant
Letter to the Editor
Bartlett Historical Society
To The Editor,
The Bartlett Historical Society wishes to thanks Theresa and Scott Stearns of the White Mountain Cider Company Restaurant for the wonderful evening that they shared with us on June 20th. This dinner was held to name and dedicate one of their dining rooms in memory of former resident Bertha McAuliffe. Bertha owned the former farmhouse and raised her family there from the early 1930’s until her death in the mid 1980’s. Bertha epitomized the picture of a strong, hardworking New England Yankee woman who had more energy than most of the young people who knew and worked with her during her years at New England Inn. This was the image conveyed by Bartlett’s Selectman, Gene Chandler, who spoke at the dinner to a group of almost 30 Society members and residents. One of Bertha’s sons, Tom McAuliffe from Dalton NH, attended the dinner and her other sons, Jack McAuliffe from Florida and Bill McAuliffe from Guilford called to convey their appreciation to the Stearns for the honor. Tom was amazed at the transformation of his boyhood home to the beautiful Early American New England restaurant and Cider Mill/ country store that it has become. He commented on the beauty of the colonial fireplace that stone mason and former property owner Chris Brown created in what is now the pub portion of the restaurant. In fact the dining room where we were seated was the former woodshed, Tom recalled. As if the beauty of the building wasn’t enough to comment about, the food truly was. Theresa and her staff served an elegantly tasteful dinner. The Society was graciously welcomed by host Jeff Grdinich who let everyone attending know that a portion of the dinner proceeds were being donated to the Bartlett Historical Society. We wish to thank Scott and Theresa for their generous donation as well as this most enjoyable evening.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors, Bartlett Historical Society
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2007 Trip Advisor
Independent Reviews
'TravelJohnsonJ,' NY, NY
Since I travel a great deal, this means I dine out more fifty percent of the time. I have found a touch of culinary paradise in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
I have given a great deal of thought to even bringing this restaurant to the attention of Trip Advisor... for fear I might not get a table the next time I pass by. But this little place is a secret that cannot be kept.
The restaurant is housed in a humble little white clapboard farm house on US 302 West, just a couple of mile past the stoplight at the local Dairy Queen. What is humble on the outside only hides the jewel that can be found inside.
The menu is somewhat small, but what is offered is glorious. I have dined at the Cider Company several times and I can truthfully say I have never had an experience that falls short of being outstanding.
This is a chef-owned-managed restaurant where the attention to the food's detail is near perfection. This restaurant scores five stars in my book - fresh food, excellently prepared, incredible textures and flavors and gracious service.
For those that wish to dine a little simpler, this place offers fantastic appetizers and one of the best burgers you will ever have the privilege of digesting. One may wonder why a burger is available in such an upscale establishment...but once you try it, you will understand.
The service staff is personable, knowledgeable and above all - professional. The wine list is better than most and the bar staff is amazingly competent in preparing some of the most unique beverages to be found.
The restaurant's decor is simple and does not detract from the meal. In the winter time the fireplace radiates warmth that makes it nearly impossible to stay near it for any length of time. And on those rare occasions when the wind comes from a certain direction, the "essence" of smoke can add to the ambiance.
When I am in the area, I gladly make a stop at the White Mountain Cider Company. I am not sure if the local population even comprehends on how blessed they really are to have such a wonderful establishment to entertain their palates.
'CJNH,' Bartlett, NH
The White Mountain Cider Company is absolutely a stop that should be made - when any where near the Mt. Washington Valley.
Chef/Owner Teresa Stearns is by far cooking the best food in the state of New Hampshire. Always fresh - always unique - with flavor combinations that can not be beat.
I am a complete sucker for her calamari - it is the best I have ever had - and it changes regularly - always a fresh fish option and the absolute BEST burgers that can be found - the cider mill burger has developed it's own following. Now if they would please bring back the schnitzel sandwich - please!
From just tasty appetizers such as home made chips with gorgonzola cream to incredible entrees all accompanied with the freshest ingredients - I can not truly find the correct words to provide enough accolade. As much as I want to keep this a secret - it is just not fair...you must try it for yourself!
I may say that the bartenders know how to make a fabulous cocktails - and we visit regularly with our two young children - their entrees are terrific and they are always made to feel welcome - so don't hesitate to bring the whole family - we like to sit out on the deck.
Thank you for such great food and service - you have a devoted patron for life!!
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2007 Yankee Magazine Editors' Choice
Special Travel Guide to New England Issue, p. 181
"Culinary Institute graduates Scott & Teresa Stearns, formerly of the Rare Bare Bistro,
have brought their talents here to transform an 1890's farmhouse into a cozy bar &
dining venue. Fresh ingredients are deftly presented & the apple is featured on each menu, from specialty cocktails (CiderTini) to dessert (Apple Galette)"
"This is a place that travelers will remember, that locals love and that promises visitors
the opportunity to experience New England's unique character firsthand."
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2007 Boston Magazine's New England Travel & Life
Best of New England 2006, Best Gourmet Country Store, p. 88
"Owners shy away from the term gourmet, but the description fits:
They sell items such as Japanese mandolins, spiced hot pads and
apple cider pressed onsite. Next door, graduates of the Culinary Institute
operate a restaurant where they whip up crispy crab cakes with apple fennel slaw
and bacon~crusted pork chops."
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Valley Fun Dining Guide
2001
"There are so many wonderful things to say about dinner at the Rare Bear (The White Mountain Cider Co Restaurant is now owned by the former Chef's of the Rare Bear Restaurant), so I will start at the beginning with the delicious, warm, homemade bread, the soup of the day and the salads. The soup was a Roasted Red Pepper with Chicken, very spicy, yet light. The garden salad was abundant with fresh lettuce and vegetables, but the most wonderful aspect was the gorgonzola pastry that comes on it. This could be a great light meal by itself, but one would miss out if you stopped there.
The Duck entree I picked was incredible, and the sauce of Blackberry and Bay was very compatible. My dining companion, Brenda, ordered the special - Pan Seared Scallops spiced with Tarragon and served with Corn. The Scallops were cooked perfectly and the presentation of all the food was so beautiful that I didn't want to disturb it by eating it. Scott and Teresa sent us a special sampling of Salmon served with a Citrus Brown Butter Sauce over Rice. It was a real treat and enough of a sampling to appreciate how tasty it was and yet not get too full to enjoy what was yet to come.
Dessert was a difficult decision, but we really wanted to sample one so we shared a Warm Apple Galette served with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce. Our choice was a perfect finish with fresh coffee."
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