At the space of The Gothic starting May 27, 2016, Arata’s menu offers ramen, steamed buns, small plates, desserts inspired by Far East flavors, and an extensive cocktail and organic wine program. Reported closed, Apr 2017.
(Disclosure: I know the chefs & owner so I'm biased)
You probably wouldn't expect to find a restaurant like Arata in a small tourist town in Maine, but there it is. Chef Scott Winegard and owner Matthew Kenney have gone out on a limb and decided to do an Asian plant-based concept, and executed beautifully. I probably tried everything on the menu and loved it all, from the noodles to the bao to the salads to the korean-style chijimi pancakes. I love how Scott creates real texture and color in his dishes, it's a feast for the eyes and the tongue.
If you're within an hour drive, I'd definitely recommend going out of your way to stop in, because the food is outstanding. An inventive cocktail menu featuring things like a smokey old-fashioned (using smoked soy) is the icing on the plant-based cake.
I went here just before close with my vegan family of 6 on a rainy afternoon and it was wonderful. The service was great and the food delicious. We loved the buns and the kim chi pancakes best for savory. The cheesecake best for sweet. The passion fruit martini was out of this world, and the server split it into 2 glasses with candied passion fruit for my husband and I when he heard us say we would be sharing. Amazing!
I ordered the Chile Undon which comes with smoked tofu, charred chiles and red pepper purée. It was beautifully displayed and perfectly seasoned. However, it was basically an upscale bowl of ramen noodles that cost $16. I could have made that at home for $1.99 munis the display and special fresh herds and edible flowers. The decor is very nice and it was no wait for a table.
3 Reviews
First Review by RobLaing
RobLaing
Points +18
Outstanding plant-based Asian food - Edit
(Disclosure: I know the chefs & owner so I'm biased)
Read moreYou probably wouldn't expect to find a restaurant like Arata in a small tourist town in Maine, but there it is. Chef Scott Winegard and owner Matthew Kenney have gone out on a limb and decided to do an Asian plant-based concept, and executed beautifully. I probably tried everything on the menu and loved it all, from the noodles to the bao to the salads to the korean-style chijimi pancakes. I love how Scott creates real texture and color in his dishes, it's a feast for the eyes and the tongue.
If you're within an hour drive, I'd definitely recommend going out of your way to stop in, because the food is outstanding. An inventive cocktail menu featuring things like a smokey old-fashioned (using smoked soy) is the icing on the plant-based cake.
Pros: Beautiful presentation, Complex flavors and textures, Great cocktail list
Guest
TheVeganSix
Points +136
Great Maine Vegan Spot - Edit
I went here just before close with my vegan family of 6 on a rainy afternoon and it was wonderful. The service was great and the food delicious. We loved the buns and the kim chi pancakes best for savory. The cheesecake best for sweet. The passion fruit martini was out of this world, and the server split it into 2 glasses with candied passion fruit for my husband and I when he heard us say we would be sharing. Amazing!
Read moreGuest
Jnlov1
Points +96
Upscale Ramen Noodles - Edit
I ordered the Chile Undon which comes with smoked tofu, charred chiles and red pepper purée. It was beautifully displayed and perfectly seasoned. However, it was basically an upscale bowl of ramen noodles that cost $16. I could have made that at home for $1.99 munis the display and special fresh herds and edible flowers. The decor is very nice and it was no wait for a table.
Read morePros: Decor, Food is perfectly seasoned. , Food is displayed well
Cons: Too expensive for what you are getting
Guest
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