As winter arrives in Kennebunk we are enjoying The Inn's holiday decorations and the warmth of the fires in our sitting and dining rooms. We also look forward to the many special events that will take place in the coming weeks as we move into 2008.

The 2008 New Year's Eve menu will continue last year's successful "Tapas" format (smaller plates), allowing our year-end diners to select a range of favorite and new tastes. For Valentine's Day, a special $33 three course option with a trio dessert for two will be available as well as the normal winter Academe menu.

An ambitious schedule of winter improvement projects is underway with changes planned for every floor of The Inn. The major first floor change is the conversion of the Baitler Board Room to a smaller but dramatically renovated space that will function both as an integral part of Academe (expanding our daily seating capacity by 20) and as a special events room. Changes to the Board Room include: multi-light exterior doors and sidelights overlooking the patio; interior, multi-light French doors opening into the bar area; a large, flat screen TV - just in time for baseball season; a new wood floor and painting of the walls to match Academe’s décor. The spring Quarterly will describe changes now in process in rooms and suites.

The Inn's Chef ~ Owners, Brian and Shanna O'Hea are among 40 guest chefs from the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain who will be offering exotic and sumptuous samplings at this year's Grand Wine & Food Affair at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square in Houston, Texas (April 23-27). Over 100 wineries will be in attendance to make these five inspiring days truly memorable. Guests will choose from vintner dinners, wine tastings, an elegant grand tasting, an outdoor casual sip and stroll and the around the world bistro brunch among many others. Visit www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com for more information on this extraordinary culinary event.

Grilled Pork Chop $22 ... sautéed wild mushrooms, sweet potato soufflé topped with homemade marshmallow and a maple orange, sage sauce.

"Great food, friendly staff” (Janet and Doug, North Stonington, CT) …“Outstanding staff!” (Frank, Bradford, MA) …“Mother’s fourth birthday here!” (Audrey, Kennebunkport, ME) …“Awesome, great food!” (Helen, Glen Cove, NY) … “Great stay, great food!” (Jim and Greta, Boston, MA) … “Very relaxing, snowy week-end!” (Jill and Steve, Tyler and Justin, Nantucket, MA) … “Wonderful experience!” (Joe, Lexington, KY) … “Great rooms!” (Doug and Bernice, Annville, PA) …“Great place, great food!” (Robert, North Kingstown, RI) … “Very good food and service!” (Matthias, Piesendorf, Austria)