The Chef The Gardener - Saco

I've been excited to try this place for a long time and unfortunately it just did not live up to my expectations. I got the Pan Seared Scallops with lobster risotto in a sherried beurre blanc. Sadly the risotto was flavorless watery. I was so disappointed as I love risotto. The scallops were ok, nothing special. One pet peeve was the messy presentation with, what is I assume, paprika all over the rim of the plate. However the dessert was amazing. I got the profiterole, and it was simply divine. The atmosphere is cute and the service is great. The sting of a $27 sub-par scallop plate is going to stay with me and I may not go back.

Love, love this place! Always fresh and seasonal items for the menu, the unqiue martinis, excellent wine selection and friendly staff make this a must stop! Perfect for date night-this is the secret of the locals...

Our favorite local spot!!! The food is always so delicious!! Quiet little spot great for conversation. We've never been disappointed with a meal. Specials change regularly. All locally sourced and seasonal veggies and meat. Lots of gluten free options!!

Unfortunately my family and I have given this spot several chances. I have never been satisfied. From the waitstaff not being knowledgeable about their menu or to food coming to the table cold and not cooked properly! I really have tried one bad experience could be just a bad day but 4 bad experiences is just unfair

This is a quaint farm to table restaurant, that has a very flavorful, health conscious menu. The wine list was decent, with about 15-20 options in the $7-$9 a glass range. The Pinot Noir options, which I feel is the most versatile food wine, were somewhat limited. My GF tried a fresh blueberry mulled vodka martini, which she commented had a distinct fruit fresh flavor. We split a table side made Caesar Salad. Now first, table side Caesars were kind of an 80's to 90's thing....haven't even seen it in twenty years. This was possibly the best Caesar I've ever eaten. There was a distinct flavor layering of the fresh spoon mulled garlic, the egg yolk, the great flavorful olive oil, grain mustard, and anchovies. Just excellent. My entree was a pork shank Osso Bucco. The pork shank was perfectly prepared, more roasted than braised, but spot on medium. The meat was extremely flavorful and tender, and was accompanied with a wild mushroom risotto. The risotto was a bit underwhelming, lacking flavor and richness, that butter and more cheese could possibly solve. My mom, who's made traditional Italian veal shank Bucco for 50 years would be a bit slighted here, as it lacked the rustic wine braised warmth that traditional Occo Bucco offers, but that said, this was a healthier, well made dish, and I enjoyed it. I also tried the scallops in a cheese sauce, which was equally well prepared. There are plenty of fish, meat, and vegetarian options here. Overall service was good, and the meal pace was fine. This is a solid 4 stars for me...I can knit pick a few things, but overall price/value and service is good. I'd recommend giving this place a try.