Rockland, Maine’s Top-Rated Restaurant Kicks Off Their 25th Year

Get ready, foodies. The summer hotspot of Rockland, Maine, has its culinary gem celebrating a quarter-century of serving up deliciousness! Primo is the brainchild of the culinary connoisseur Melissa Kelly, originally from Long Island. They are gearing up for their 25th season, and it's gonna be one heck of a flavorful ride.

So let's dive into what makes Primo the talk of this Midcoast town. Picture this: a farm-to-table restaurant where every dish tells a story, and where the inspiration behind the name traces back to Chef Melissa Kelly's grandfather, the legendary Primo himself. He was the OG when it came to making the most out of every part of an animal, setting Primo leagues apart from your run-of-the-mill restaurants.

Now, let's chat about what goes down in the kitchen. Not be confused with owner Chef Kelly, general manager Kellie Brooks says that she is the real deal.

"Chef Kelly is an exceptional powerhouse. She comes with a true level of excellence and quality and is a force of nature."

 

Not only does Chef Kelly create mouthwatering dishes, but she's also all about sustainability and quality. I'm talking home-grown chickens, pigs livin' the good life, as well as a strong bond with local fishermen. And get this, nothing goes to waste in Primo land. Leftover dinners go straight to feeding those lucky farm animals.

Chef Kelly is basically the fairy godmother of the 1800s Victorian building that Primo calls home. Yeah, it's not just the food that needs to be perfect. She's all about keeping the building up-to-date, whether it's upgrading the HVAC or giving the flooring a facelift, all while keeping that vintage victorian feel in play.

Primo isn't just about serving up top-notch food. It's a vibe! Whether you're a lobsterman at the bar enjoying a beer and an app, a seasonal regular, tourist, or just passing through town, everyone is welcome at Primo. And let's not forget about the drinks, curated by none other than bar manager Rob Roy himself. Yep, that's his real name, and yes, the drinks are as awesome as you'd expect.

Now, let's talk menu. While Primo likes to keep things fresh with daily rotations, there are two customer favorite staples that will always be on the menu: Pork Saltimbocca and the Farmer Salad, with their legendary homemade croutons (yes, croutons that are that good).

Pork Saltimbocca

Farmer Salad

But what's the secret sauce that keeps people coming back for more? Well, besides the mouthwatering food and drinks, it's the whole experience. Imagine dining in a cozy Victorian house where you can wander around and check out the farm before or after your meal.

From their farm-fresh ingredients to their warm hospitality, Primo is the kind of place that'll have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and beyond. Cheers to another 25 years of culinary bliss!

Sample Menu