Since I was dining alone--and had consumed fried clams at 5 p.m.--I decided to forego dinner, which is served both indoors and on a screened porch with superior views. The Chebeague Island Inn offers the perfect alternative for those with lighter appetites or solo travelers: The Sunset Landing menu, served Tuesday through Sunday on the inn's sweeping, waterside porch from 2:30 to 9 p.m., features delectable nibbles that pair perfectly with a cocktail, beer or glass of wine.
I contemplated simply ordering the Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie Plate... until my convivial waitress reminded me that you can't have Lobster Corn Dogs just anywhere. I savored every bite of these enormous lobster claws fried in sweet batter and paired with a sun dried tomato aioli that had a flavorful kick. And, because I couldn't tear myself from the show the sky was putting on as the sun sunk, I ordered a plate of warm-from-the-oven mint chocolate chip cookies and tried with limited success to convince a trio of boys playing croquet on the lawn to share them with me.
The next morning, I took a seat on the screened porch and watched as an aggressive fog rolled in, shrouding the island in just 15 minutes while I savored a plate of eggs, crispy sweet Apple Wood smoked bacon and Maine maple grits (which I had to return to the kitchen to be warmed). The inn was quiet on this Monday morning, with only four rooms occupied, and seemed even more haven-like.
