Reflecting on an Incredible Year: A Heartfelt Thank You
As we close the chapter on another wonderful year at Chez Rosa, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. This year has been filled with unforgettable moments, shared meals, lots of growth and countless memories, and we have each of you to thank for it.
To Our Guests: You are the heartbeat of Chez Rosa. Every time you choose to dine with us, celebrate a milestone, or simply stop by for a quick bite, you honor us with your trust and presence. It’s been a privilege to host your anniversaries, birthdays, and gatherings, big and small. Your laughter, your compliments, and even your feedback inspire us to continually improve and ensure every visit is exceptional. Thank you for being part of our story and allowing us to be part of yours.
To Our Community: Kennebunkport is not just where we’re located—it’s part of who we are. This kind, supportive community makes everything we do possible. From local farmers and suppliers who provide the freshest ingredients to our fellow small businesses who foster collaboration and camaraderie, we’re so grateful to be part of such a thriving and amazing little town. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make Chez Rosa what it is today.
To Our Team: Words cannot express how much we value each and every one of you. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication are the foundation of everything we accomplish. From the kitchen staff who bring each dish to life with care and precision, to the servers who deliver warm hospitality every day, to the behind-the-scenes staff who keep everything running smoothly—you are the soul of Chez Rosa. Thank you for your passion, dedication and for making this year a success.
As we look ahead to the new year, we’re filled with excitement for what’s to come. New dishes, new faces, and new memories await, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Here’s to another year of delicious meals, meaningful connections, and shared celebrations. Thank you for being part of the Chez Rosa family.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kyle & Yazmin
Ways to Thank Your Loved Ones This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is almost here, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather around with the people who make life special. It’s a holiday about gratitude—so why not celebrate with these heartfelt (and fun) ideas this year?
1. Prepare a Feast
Nothing says "I’m thankful for you" quite like a delicious meal shared with your favorite people. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or taking it easy with our Thanksgiving Takeaway, you’ll set the perfect table of gratitude!
Chez Rosa’s Thanksgiving Takeaway Menu:
$80 for 2 People:
Braised Turkey Leg Stuffing
Bistro Salad: shaved fall vegetables, sherry vinaigrette
Tartiflette: bacon lardons, caramelized onions, raclette
Haricot Vert Casserole with crispy shallots
Cranberry Relish
Turkey Gravy
Add-Ons:
Hors d’Oeuvres:
Petite Assiette: 2 cheeses, chicken liver pâté – $34
Grande Assiette: 2 cheeses, chicken liver pâté, chef’s charcuterie special – $50
Dessert:
Apple Crumble Pie – $25
Pumpkin Pie – $25
Pre-order by Friday, November 22nd
Pickup: Wednesday, November 27th | 10 AM - 3 PM
2. Literally, Give Thanks
Write heartfelt thank-you cards or letters to your loved ones! Hand them out in person for that warm fuzzy feeling or go eco-friendly by sending them digitally. A little gratitude goes a long way.
3. Plan a Cozy Movie Night
What better way to bond than a post-dinner movie marathon? Snuggle up with blankets, pick some fall and winter classics, and have everyone bring snacks to share. Bonus points if you include pumpkin-spiced treats!
From All of Us at Chez Rosa
This Thanksgiving, we’re beyond grateful for YOU. Over the past four years, you’ve made Chez Rosa a place where memories are made—whether it’s brunch, dinner, wine pairings, or special events, your support means the world to us.
A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible team for their dedication and talent; we are grateful for the family we’ve built that makes magic happen every day.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Chez Rosa!
How do we keep our ingredients as fresh as it gets? Here are our local markets & farmers that help us have the best supplies for you.
Since day one at Chez Rosa, we’ve been all about fresh, organic, and downright amazing ingredients. We want every dish to shine with the best nature has to offer, all while keeping things sustainable, local and thoughtful.
And now, we’re excited to give you a peek behind the scenes! Meet the incredible farms and purveyors we’ve partnered with over the years, who help us bring that unbeatable quality to your plate.
Our vegetables & farm greens: Tiny Roots Organic Farms
They started out small—like, really small—as an equestrian farm in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The owners, living their best farm life, decided to turn their passion for gardening into something bigger. Fast forward to their new home, and they’re suddenly all about growing crops! That’s when they went for their first organic certification with Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Now, they’re an amazing local business bringing top-notch, organic ingredients to our kitchen, and we can’t wait for you to taste the difference in every dish!
https://www.tinyrootsorganicfarm.com/
Our fish & oysters: SoPo
They’re a local Maine seafood company, all about that fresh-caught Gulf of Maine goodness! Since 2020, their mission has been simple: support the local seafood industry and do it sustainably. For the past four years, they’ve been shipping the freshest seafood across the country, with a focus on doing it in a thoughtful, eco-friendly way.
https://www.soposeafood.com/
Our lobsters: Taylor Lobster
This true family business has been going strong since 1945, when their grandfather kicked things off with a little wholesale and retail lobster shop in the south-end of Portsmouth. Fast forward to today, and they’re still the go-to for fresh, local seafood with a focus on quality, service, and that personal touch. Whether it's fish or shellfish, they’ve got it all, and if you need something special, just give them a day’s notice—they’ll make sure you get the freshest catch around!
https://taylorlobster.com/
Our chicken & pork: Sumner Valley Farm
They’re a small, family-owned farm offering top-notch organic chicken, pork, and eggs. Their high-quality products help us craft our menu in the most natural, delicious, and sustainable ways. It’s all about keeping things fresh, local, and packed with flavor!
https://www.instagram.com/sumner.valley.farm/
Our cheeses: Beryl Marton and Co
They are a specialized cheese producer, importer and distributor located on the southern coast of Maine, proudly locals! Beryl Marton was once named as one of the Top 10 Chefs in the United States by the New York Times, so she really knows what she’s doing and we preach it. They sell an amazingly wide selection of cheeses produced in the most artisanal way that will very likely make your tastebuds fall in love with their products.
http://www.berylmarton.com/
Our baguettes: Boulangerie
They’re actually the first bakery in Kennebunk—and they’re still killing it! With an incredible lineup of freshly baked goods, plus a great wine selection and an onsite Sommelier to help you choose the perfect bottle, they’ve got it all. Whether you’re grabbing an everything croissant or diving into their lunchtime menu, you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Planning an event soon? Celebrate with us at Chez Rosa!
We love creating memories—whether it’s with our customers, our staff, or even ourselves. Since opening Chez Rosa, we’ve been dedicated to being part of unforgettable moments. So why not create your next special memory in our cozy, welcoming restaurant?
What have we celebrated?
From big milestones to intimate gatherings, our space has hosted countless celebrations, and we’d love to share some ideas for your next event. Here are some of our favorites:
Graduations:
Host the perfect graduation party—whether you want a big bash or a more intimate affair, we’ll handle the food, drinks, and ambiance for you and your guests.
Wedding Rehearsal Dinners:
One of our personal favorites! As the bride and groom prepare for their big day, they can relax and enjoy an intimate or grand rehearsal dinner with family and friends while we handle everything else.
Ring Proposals:
Plan an unforgettable proposal with us. Enjoy a romantic dinner, drinks, and the perfect setting to pop the question.
Birthdays:
Birthdays never get old! Whether it’s a surprise party or a planned celebration, we’ll help you make memories while you focus on enjoying your special day.
Work Events:
Do you want your staff to feel pampered and special?
Whether it’s a staff party, team retreat, or corporate event, Chez Rosa offers the ideal space for your team to connect, bond, and relax over delicious food and drinks.
What else can you celebrate at Chez Rosa?
The possibilities are endless! As long as your event fits within our guest limit of 40 ppl, we’re ready to make your private celebration a reality. Here are a few unique ideas:
Drink & Draw Experiences:
Perfect for creatives! Host a fun event where you and your guests can enjoy drinks, get creative, and share your artistic skills.
Stand-Up Comedy Nights:
Laugh the night away! Whether it’s a charity fundraiser or just for fun, organize a comedy night with us and bring on the good times.
Gender Reveal Parties & Baby Showers:
Celebrate the arrival of a little one with a cozy gathering of friends and family. These intimate events are always a joy to host!
Christmas & NYE Dinners:
End the year on a festive note! Share the holiday spirit with loved ones in our cozy setting with a warm meal and great company.
Pop-Ups & Brand Activations:
Launching a new product or collaborating on an exciting campaign? Our space is perfect for pop-ups and brand activation events to get the word out in style!
At Chez Rosa, we’re all about more than just serving food—we’re here to create memorable experiences. Consider our space your second home, where every event is handled with care, excitement, and attention to detail.
Interested in hosting an event with us? Reach out!
Book my event at Chez Rosa, DM us on Instagram, or stop by the restaurant to chat. We can’t wait to be part of your special day!
Have you ever wondered why we only serve local and sustainable seafood? Here's why!
Many fish species we enjoy are in trouble due to destructive fishing and farming practices. Choosing Ocean Friendly restaurants makes a real difference for our oceans. By making responsible and conscious seafood choices, you can help protect marine life. We'll explain how you can make these choices in this blog post.
First of all, what does sustainable seafood mean?
In short, it means benefiting the planet, people, and businesses, but there's much more to it. Sustainable seafood involves protecting wild sea species and coastal habitats, ensuring safe working conditions for workers, and supporting thriving businesses. This comprehensive approach is what defines sustainable seafood.
The main meaning of sustainable seafood comes from fisheries and its operations that make an effort to keep harmful environmental impacts to a minimum, who also make sure good and fair working conditions exist, while supporting livelihoods and economic benefits along the entire supply chain protecting it as best as possible from coming to an end.
Overall, sustainable seafood production helps ensure that their product is fished and farmed in ways that promote the long-term & well-being of said wildlife and the environment they live in. Being an Ocean Friendly Restaurant means we work in collaboration with environmental experts worldwide to explore ways to improve the preservation of wildlife.
You can search how safe it is to consume the seafood that you love
If you’re starting to make conscious decisions about the way you consume seafood, you can make your own research in different websites about the species that are in more danger, over-fished or that belong to non-responsible practices, such as: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/recommendations/download-consumer-guides.
By clicking on each species important info about it will appear for you and it will be labeled in 3 different ways:
Best choice: Buy first. They’re well managed and caught or farmed responsibly.
Good alternative: Buy, but be aware there are concerns with how they’re caught, farmed, or managed.
Avoid: Take a pass on these for now. They’re overfished, lack strong management, or are caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment.
Make your own well-thought choices between the ones that belong to “best choice” and “good alternative”, always trying to stay away from the ones labeled by “avoid”.
This is why our menu doesn’t include specific seafood
As our main title says, our menu doesn’t include shrimp cocktail or tuna for certain reasons. First of all, both are species that are usually over-fished, lack ethical management, or are caught or farmed in ways that attempt over the security of other kinds of sea life or its environments.
These are some of the reasons why you never see shrimp cocktail or tuna on our menu. It wouldn’t be aligned with our values as a company and as individuals
How do your actions affect positively on the ocean environment?
The farming of fish and other seafood also known as “Aquaculture”, is a practice that holds great promise since it’s a solution to the increasing pressures on our ocean resources. When good practices and decisions are made, it's possible to farm seafood in a way that minimizes impacts to the environment and consumerism. These conscious operations limit hazardous effects such as: habitat damage, disease, pollution, escapes of farmed fish and the use of wild fish as food without an empathetic way of thinking.
Why is it a complete cycle affected by the most little actions?
Practicing sustainable seafood actions ensures fair and safe working conditions for everyone involved in the seafood supply chain, including retailers, producers, and suppliers. These stakeholders are responsible for adhering to international labor laws designed to prevent human rights abuses such as forced labor, human trafficking, and hazardous child labor. By committing to sustainability, we help protect both our oceans and the people who rely on them for their livelihoods.
We invite you to join our cause! As we’ve already mentioned in our other blogpost where we talk more in depth ofour great, important practices that make us an Ocean Friendly certified restaurant.
Being part of this community and mindset by supporting environmentally conscious restaurants and adopting a more conscious approach to seafood consumption can help take care and save our oceans. It doesn't mean giving up seafood; it means embracing sustainable practices that protect our oceans, support producers, and ensure a better future for everyone. Let's make a positive impact together!Many fish species we enjoy are in trouble due to destructive fishing and farming practices. Choosing Ocean Friendly restaurants makes a real difference for our oceans. By making responsible and conscious seafood choices, you can help protect marine life. We'll explain how you can make these choices in this blog post.
Are you on vacation or enjoying more free time? Here are some sustainable practices you can adopt during the summertime to help the planet
How often do we wonder what we can do during the summer besides partying, traveling, and watching our favorite shows? Unfortunately, little of that time goes into thinking about how we can help our planet, especially our oceans. During our time in Kennebunkport, we’ve developed a deep love and respect for the ocean and our planet. That's why we are always seeking new and different ways to be more helpful to the environment, and sharing these ideas with you is important to us.
Making conscious and sustainable practices is a great way to spend your free time! It doesn’t take too long and it can be a fun way to enjoy your days while spending time out in the sun with your favorite people.
Start using reusables in your day-to-day:
If you’re committed to reducing waste at home, why not extend that habit to when you’re out and about? Carrying reusable bags is easier than you might think, and it makes a significant impact. A single tote bag can prevent countless plastic bags from polluting our oceans and harming natural treasures. Plus, creating your own tote can be a fun activity with friends and family! Speaking of totes, have you seen our limited edition anniversary tote bag? It's the perfect blend of style and sustainability!
Looking to amp up your sustainability game? Consider adding these eco-friendly essentials to your daily routine: reusable cutlery for dining out or enjoying delivery at home, fabric napkins, and durable water bottles, mugs, or tumblers. Don't forget chopsticks and biodegradable or stainless steel straws for that extra green touch. Small changes like these can make a big difference for our planet!
If you have the opportunity to gather all of these and make your own sustainable bundle, that would help you take a step towards a more conscious lifestyle towards the planet.
2. Organize a local beach clean up with friends/neighbors:
We can't say it enough—the ocean needs us now more than ever! Helping out is easier than you think. All it takes is a little effort and some good company. Grab a few friends or rally your community for a beach clean-up. No fancy gear needed, just a big heart. It all starts with one person—it could be you, or you could join someone else's cause. Every little bit helps, and together, we can make a wave of change!
All it takes is some garbage bags, gloves for safety, a good pair of shoes to walk some miles and you’re good to go! The sea will forever be grateful for your help, that’s for sure.
3. Start composting and plant new life with it:
Making compost at home is easier than you think, literally. There are lots of ways of doing it but here are 2 easy ways to do it:
If you have a garden, this one’s for you: dig a trench about 8-12 inches deep and just strat filling it with food scraps that you use from cooking daily, make sure you cover each layer with more soil as you keep filling it. When you reach the top you’ll be done and your soil will be filled with nutrients, that’s when you can plant veggies, fruits or flowers on top of it and you can enjoy not throwing away waste!
If you don’t have a garden, this one’s for you: you’ll only need a big container used specifically to make your compost and some soil. You’ll start throwing away your food waste here and cover with soil as well until you reach half of your container and mix everything with safety gloves. You’ll have a full container of rich soil ready to use on your house plants and even start an inside garden where you plant little pots of tomatoes, spinach, berries and other kinds of plants by just saving your food scraps.
4. Consume in your local Ocean Friendly certified restaurants:
As we’ve mentioned in past posts and in our “About” section in our website, Chez Rosa was the first Ocean friendly certified restaurant in the state of Maine. That means we are committed to making a real change within our oceans and sea life, by having more conscious practices when it comes to fishing, ordering seafood and everything related to being better humans and consuming seafood in a more sustainable way.
For instance, we are committed to only buying sustainable seafood—no exceptions! We engage in fair trade with local fishermen to ensure the freshest, locally caught seafood. Plus, we actively contribute to the planet by participating in beach clean-up events with like-minded individuals. If the planet and oceans could speak, they’d be sending their heartfelt thanks!
Support other Ocean Friendly restaurants here: Ocean Friendly Restaurants (surfrider.org). 573 restaurants and counting!
Small changes can lead to significant positive impacts. In this blog post, we invite you to join us in embracing a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle. You don’t need to become an environmentalist overnight; start with small steps and gradually adopt practices that support this vital cause. Together, we can make a difference, one small change at a time. Join us on this journey towards a better, greener future.
3. Start composting and plant new life with it:
Making compost at home is easier than you think, literally. There are lots of ways of doing it but here are 2 easy ways to do it:
If you have a garden, this one’s for you: dig a trench about 8-12 inches deep and just strat filling it with food scraps that you use from cooking daily, make sure you cover each layer with more soil as you keep filling it. When you reach the top you’ll be done and your soil will be filled with nutrients, that’s when you can plant veggies, fruits or flowers on top of it and you can enjoy not throwing away waste!
If you don’t have a garden, this one’s for you: you’ll only need a big container used specifically to make your compost and some soil. You’ll start throwing away your food waste here and cover with soil as well until you reach half of your container and mix everything with safety gloves. You’ll have a full container of rich soil ready to use on your house plants and even start an inside garden where you plant little pots of tomatoes, spinach, berries and other kinds of plants by just saving your food scraps.
4. Consume in your local Ocean Friendly certified restaurants:
As we’ve mentioned in past posts and in our “About” section in our website, Chez Rosa was the first Ocean friendly certified restaurant in the state of Maine. That means we are committed to making a real change within our oceans and sea life, by having more conscious practices when it comes to fishing, ordering seafood and everything related to being better humans and consuming seafood in a more sustainable way.
For instance, we are committed to only buying sustainable seafood—no exceptions! We engage in fair trade with local fishermen to ensure the freshest, locally caught seafood. Plus, we actively contribute to the planet by participating in beach clean-up events with like-minded individuals. If the planet and oceans could speak, they’d be sending their heartfelt thanks!
Support other Ocean Friendly restaurants here: Ocean Friendly Restaurants (surfrider.org). 573 restaurants and counting!
Small changes can lead to significant positive impacts. In this blog post, we invite you to join us in embracing a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle. You don’t need to become an environmentalist overnight; start with small steps and gradually adopt practices that support this vital cause. Together, we can make a difference, one small change at a time. Join us on this journey towards a better, greener future.
4 years equals many things we’ve learned along Chez Rosa’s journey
Let’s go back to the beginning…
When we were set to open Chez Rosa in our now home Kennebunkport, Maine, the pandemic hit a few weeks before our planned opening date. At that time, there was a lot of uncertainty about the future and in 4 short years, our restaurant has bloomed into the amazing place that it is because of the amazing people we’ve met along the way, the people that help it make it a success - from our staff to strangers (who later became our friends) in and around Kennebunkport.
During the pandemic we were able to serve 6,510 customers and employ 13 people which was truly a dream come true! Lots of things were made possible by those in our community helping in unimaginable ways - from our staff helping with extra shifts, chipping in where they could and acting as if it was "our" restaurant to Dana and Sal (the owners of Abacus gallery), who didn’t even know us at the time, knocking at our door to offer us their patio so we could serve people, since we were not allowed to seat people indoors at the time and lots of other kind gestures we surely will never forget…
How Chez Rosa has grown year by year
Today we are able to serve 22,410 people and employ another 20, year-round in a popular summer destination which is absolutely an amazing milestone for us! And only the beginning for Chez Rosa’s journey ahead.
The generosity of our staff, vendors and customers is why it's possible for our restaurant to be thriving today in 2024. Our people and our community believed in us, even in the most difficult circumstances and they continue to do so today as much as we do. Sharing our dream is the most special bond between us and everyone involved in our lovely place.
One of the most important things
We learned that you can have an amazing idea (like we did opening our restaurant,) but, without people it would've only lived as that...an idea!
We, Kyle and Yaz, have learned (and keep learning) that the more we take the time to grow personally; such as prioritizing our self care, days off, and encouraging teammates to do the same; the business becomes more successful and the team becomes stronger. Taking care of ourselves helps us to take care of our business.
The responsibility of opening a restaurant and running a successful business, made us look at ourselves in ways we never thought we would - from putting ourselves first and crafting morning routines to ways we can strengthen our relationships as well (in and out of the restaurant).
Our best advice from us to you
"You'll find that when you take care of yourself differently - as a restaurant and business owner - you're able to have the time and energy to do more than you had before."
Managing people with different needs, wants and personality traits has been one of the most important challenges and rewards we’ve done in our lives. Requiring us to learn how to communicate more effectively, be able to have uncomfortable conversations when needed, and to be responsive versus reactive. We’ve spent our time, money and energy developing skills as leaders and business owners to create a healthy work environment, where employees and guests feel truly happy...and it is 100% worth it!
Again, thank you so much to everyone for being an essential part of our business journey and we cannot wait to keep walking together along the way. See you next year to celebrate again!
Love,
Kyle & Yaz.
Make your own summer cocktails at home with Chez Rosa’s bar team special recipes, tips & tricks!
Mixing flavors is definitely a form of artistry. Aromas, flavor combinations, and garnishes all go hand in hand when it comes to your taste buds having a party. This all plays a part when trying a new cocktail.
Summer is just around the corner and we had to ask our bar team, the ones in charge of making you go “mhmm…” at our bar, for the recipe of one of our new signature cocktails. We also added some tips & tricks you can do at home to impress your friends, family or a special someone without having to be a pro.
Let’s get down to business, shall we?
We wanted to share with you the step by step recipe for one of the crowd’s favorites in our new spring cocktail lineup.
The Activator: a mix of rye, cynar, espresso, and lemon. This cocktail packs a punch with its bold flavors. The Activator is the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion, guaranteed to wake up your taste buds and get you ready for whatever comes next.
1.5 oz of Rye
0.5 oz Cynar
0.5 oz freshly brewed espresso
0.25 demerara syrup
1 dash coffee bitters
Lemon twist
To make demerara syrup mix equal parts of warm water and demerara sugar and mix until dissolved. We prefer demerara sugar for this cocktail but if you do not have it handy you can make it with regular sugar.
In a cocktail mixing glass add the rye, cynar, espresso, demerara syrup, and coffee bitters, add lots of ice and stir with a mixing spoon.
Strain into rocks glass and add one large ice cube.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
You are now ready to delight some people, or just enjoy it yourself on a nice sunny spring day.
A little bit more on the rest of our cocktail lineup.
The other side: This is our own version of a sour. A daring mix of mezcal, tarragon, mint, and egg white foam. This cocktail is for the brave and curious, ready to try something new. The mezcal brings a smoky flavor, while the tarragon and mint add freshness. Take a sip and step into a world of bold flavors with The Other Side.
Easy breeze: cassis, lillet blanc, white wine & bubbles. The cassis lends a fruity sweetness, while Lillet Blanc adds a subtle floral note. Mixed with white wine and topped with bubbles, it's light and refreshing. Easy Breeze is ideal for those who appreciate the finer things in life without any fuss. a.k.a sophistication in a laid back glass.
Brighter days: gin, grapefruit, house made grenadine & thyme flavors. Every sip is like a ray of sunshine, absolutely uplifting, perfect for savoring life's brighter moments.
Jaguar shark: gin, st. germain, lime, coconut milk, turmeric. This cocktail embodies the vibrant energy of a tropical paradise, transporting you to the shore with every sip and guaranteed to make you feel like the main character in your own adventure.
Now, where are my tips & tricks?!
Whether you want to try “The Activator” or “Jaguar Shark” they all follow some important bar basics.
Ice is your best friend: be sure to have your glasses ice cold before you pour your mixed drink into it.
Measure your ingredients: no one wants an undrinkable drink, you want to savor every part of it so make sure everything is measured so it comes together in a balanced way.
The order of the pour does affect the end result: first the flavors and at the end the bubbles, this means you’ll mix the fruits, extracts, juices and the alcohol first and at the end the mixer which will be soda, wine, etc right before sipping on it.
Ready is better than fast: have your utensils on hand so you are not rushing in the middle of prepping and you will be enjoying being your own bartender for the night and guaranteeing best results.
Don't forget to capture the magic by snapping some photos of your creations and sharing them with us on social media.
Extra tip for you!
If you are one of those who prefer to sit back, relax, have a good chat and just sip, sip, sip instead of mix, mix, mix, then come over to our bar and have a delicious, fresh, new cocktail made right at the moment and ready for you to enjoy.
We’ll love to have you over!
Great, important practices that make us an Ocean Friendly certified Restaurant
First of all we’d like to explain a bit of what it means to be an Ocean Friendly restaurant. The Ocean Friendly Restaurants program recognizes restaurants who are committed to making sustainable choices for our ocean so that when guests are visiting, they can dine with peace of mind.
One of the main problems is overall plastic. It is a problem even before it reaches the ocean because of all the contamination and waste it takes to produce it. This type of contamination impacts all marine ecosystems, wildlife and us humans as well since microplastics can transfer from plastic containers to our food, water and air.
Ok now that we know the problem, which is the solution?
Stopping plastic is the solution! And it’s the main practice Ocean Friendly restaurants do in general. This results in like-minded and committed establishments that are starting to make a change for our planet and influence their guests, their staff and more people to do the same within their lives.
What type of practices does an Ocean Friendly preach?
We’ll tell you all about it…
Let’s start with the 7 step mandatory criteria:
Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining.* (meaning dinnerware, drinkware, silverware, and ramekins/containers.)
Paper straws are provided only upon request.** (Exceptions may be made for naturally occurring materials (e.g. hay, bamboo) and reusables (e.g. metal, glass), not including bio-based plastic.
No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam).
No plastic bags are used for takeout or to-go orders.
Single-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items are provided only upon request.
Beverages are not sold in plastic bottles.
Proper recycling practices are followed.
Now the optional criteria where at least 3 options have to be chosen from every restaurant that wants to become part of the Ocean Friendly circle. Chez Rosa has chosen to do more than the 3 required and practices all the ones in blue.
A discount can be offered for customers with a reusable item (e.g. cup, container, bag).
Vegetarian and vegan food options are offered on a regular basis.
All seafood is ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch, or no seafood is served.* (Locally sourced, sustainable seafood is preferred and should be prioritized when Seafood Watch recommendations do not apply).
Water conservation and pollution mitigation efforts are implemented.** (Examples include installing low-flow faucets and toilets, offering drinking water upon request only, no hosing down outside to reduce urban runoff, proper disposal of FOG, and up-to-date septic or sewage to prevent wastewater pollution).
Energy efficiency efforts are in place.*** (Examples include switching to LED lighting, installing solar panels, using Energy Star certified appliances and/or other efforts to use less energy).
Concessions and pre-packaged food items are not sold in plastic packaging.
Composting efforts are in place for food waste.
Neither single-use plastic nor bio-based plastic containers are used for takeout or to-go orders, reusable containers are preferred.
It is an honor for us to belong to a responsible, environmental community
Up to date, there are 558 restaurants around the world who belong to the Ocean Friendly Certified Restaurants community so we are extremely proud to be one of them! We are also super proud to have been the very 1st Ocean Friendly Restaurant in the whole state of Maine and we love seeing how this has grown since then.
With these practices we are also very committed to you, our guests, and offer you the best in every sense of the word as well as making a positive impact through you hoping you can follow the same practices as us, or at least encourage you to start doing them.
We are strong believers that we can help the planet one restaurant at a time by following these habits. Imagine what would happen if every restaurant in your area was an Ocean Friendly certified one? We would be talking about BIG change, don’t you think?
Let’s try growing that number of restaurants, shall we?
If you know other restaurants or restaurant owners who might be interested in becoming part of a great, positive game changers community, please do not hesitate in sharing Ocean Friendly’s website so they can become one: https://www.surfrider.org/programs/ocean-friendly-restaurants
Why is it so important to have an inclusive menu for everyone to enjoy?
As humans, we all love food (at least on some level). But, we're all unique, with different tastes, likes, and even allergies. Since we opened Chez Rosa, we've focused on solving this key issue for our guests. We understand the frustration of going to a favorite restaurant and not finding enough choices for ourselves or the people we’d love to have a great meal together with.
This is why we try making our menu as friendly as possible to most common allergens. We are also happy to work with people to make their experience a fun and memorable one no matter what their diet may be like.
To make things easier we try to very clearly label our printed menus, our online menus and on our social media.
We believe that as a restaurant, you have to be as transparent as possible.
In Chez Rosa, being able to offer options that accommodate dietary restrictions is a non-negotiable
Being empathetic is the first step. We don’t have to be celiac, allergic to gluten, vegan, or vegetarian to be understanding of others, which is why we take it very seriously. Bridging the gap between us and our current and future guests with dietary restrictions is one of our most important missions.
Moreover, at Chez Rosa we love knowing that our guests feel safe when dining at our restaurant because they can confidently order any of our vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian dishes.
We welcome you to come and explore our restaurant, where our menu features a range of options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a fantastic meal. We invite you to take a look at the list below and find out what we have for you!
Some of the gluten free, vegan and or vegetarian dishes you can enjoy Chez Rosa:
Aperitives:
· La boulangerie’ demi- baguette, thyme brown butter (vegetarian & can be prepared vegan)
· Side of fries, herb salt, tarragon aioli (celiac safe & can be vegan)
. Bistro salad, mixed greens, shaved seasonal vegetables, sherry vinaigrette (vegan and celiac safe)
Fromage et charcuterie:
· Cheese fondue for 2, baguette, french ham, grapes, apple, fingerling potatoes (celiac safe, can be prepared vegetarian )
· Rockflower, semi firm, nutty, earthy, raw cow’s milk, alps (gluten free, vegetarian safe)
Main dishes:
· Mushroom bourguignon, maitake mushroom, tofu, carrots, pearl onions, red wine jus (vegan, celiac safe)
· Duck cassoulet, seared breast, pork belly, sausage, cannellini beans, winter vegetables (celiac safe)
Desserts:
· Chocolate soufflé, orange-cherry coulis, whipped vanilla crème fraiche (vegetarian, celiac safe)
· Crème brûlée, served with house made seasonal compote (celiac, vegetarian safe)
Still wondering if it would be safe for you or if there are other things you could have? Our staff is constantly training so they can customize your experience as much as possible and make the best recommendations for you to enjoy!
Friendly reminder: we are currently on a break and we’ll be back on April 10th, book your seats here!
Explore these gift alternatives that go beyond traditional flowers and chocolates
While flowers and chocolates have always been classic choices, we can't help but feel it’s a bit predictable lately, that’s why we're here to share different and great alternatives to still impress your date, loved ones or friends this year.
For the foodies:
If you have someone special in your life—a significant other, best friend, or cherished family member—who thrives on exploring new culinary delights, possesses an adventurous palate, and eagerly seeks out new dining experiences, then you're in for a treat, our restaurant gift card is the perfect!!
How to get it? Just enter our website www.chezrosabistro.com and click on gift cards, you’ll be directed to our gift card provider (toasttab) where you can select exactly which amount you’d like the card to be, you can personalize it with a cute message and send it directly to their phone number or email to have it on digital and ready whenever they want to use it! If you prefer to go old school and have a physical card you are always welcome to stop by Wednesday through Sunday 12 pm to 11 pm.
For the romantic ones:
Discover why our bistro is loved for its cozy ambiance and original charm. Bring your date over to Chez Rosa and enjoy a laid-back dinner with a glass of wine or a freshly made cocktail by our bartenders, Julia & David. Plus, don't miss our special treats for the day: our chocolate soufflé, chocolate fondue for two and our chocolate martini created by David “the impostor”. Trust us, you won’t regret it! Book your seats on our website now. https://www.chezrosabistro.com/reservations
For the dessert lovers:
Now, let's give a big shoutout to some of our fantastic local neighbors, perfect for date ideas or gifts! If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll love Rococo’s dessert bar.
They opened this fall and if you haven’t visited, you must! They've got an amazing variety of daring flavors of ice cream and many interesting dessert options. The decor will make you feel in a chic cafe in France! It's a wonderful place to share with a loved one.
You'll find them at 8 western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States.
https://rococoicecream.com/pages/kport
For the wine enthusiasts:
If you fancy a glass of wine at our restaurant, but are considering a cozy one-on-one date at home, we recommend visiting Maine & Vine. There, you can choose a nice bottle of wine from their impressive variety. Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, or sparkling, they've got the perfect option for you to choose from! They are always super helpful guiding you if you are not sure where to start!
http://maineandvine.com/
For the tourist souls:
If you enjoy having a nice view around town, the in town trolley is a great choice. While you have a mini-trip around Kennebunkport you can enjoy connecting with the person to whom you’ll be giving out this original and different gift experience. It’s intimate, interactive, while having beautiful sights in front of you and definitely a cute time to remember for the second date. ;)
http://www.intowntrolley.com/
For the aesthetic decor fans:
If you're thinking of giving a lovely gift to someone who loves decorating their home, 173 Mercantile has you covered! They are fairly new in town but it is definitely worth visiting this cute shop. There is no doubt you can find some amazing gift options for everyone there!
https://www.173mercantile.com/
We encourage you all to visit the local shops we have around town and choose original, nice gifts to give this year during Valentine’s day! Enjoy all the love around you, we surely do enjoy it by having you over!
Looking forward to 2024 date nights? We got you covered: cocktails, wine dinners and special events chez us:
As we step into the New Year, our special events calendar comes alive. On January 25th we’ll be hosting a wine dinner featuring Maine’s seafood, where our guests will be able to delight in a culinary journey featuring a curated, all-inclusive 4-course menu complemented by expertly selected wine pairings. Given the intimate nature of these exclusive wine dinners, seating is limited. Secure your spot for just $110 by buying your tickets through OpenTable on our website, seize the opportunity to savor this unique gastronomic experience! (Price is all inclusive: Food, pairing, tip and taxes)
For our cocktails lovers:
Have you had the chance to sit at our bar yet? If not, we totally encourage you to make a reservation or come in as a walk-in and enjoy cocktails made at the moment. Julia & David, our bartenders, are always working their magic to offer new, interesting drinks. Right now we’d love for you to try our “Smoke & Mirrors” made with mezcal, beets, orange liqueur and lime. If you’re daring, order it next time you visit us. However, if you are looking for a more romantic drink we recommend David’s chocolate martini, it is not your normal chocolate martini, trust us! Only available for the month of February. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
Specials and upcoming events:
We’re Valentine’s day ready for you! Treat yourself and your loved ones with our chocolate fondue, holiday specials or regular menu. Whether it's a romantic rendezvous, a joyful time with friends, or a heartwarming family gathering, this day is dedicated to appreciating the love that surrounds us.
February is all about painting the town red - Join us in the upcoming month to taste our decadent special dessert: chocolate soufflé and our signature Chocolate Martini. Indulge in these tempting treats, perfectly suited for the sweetest month of the year!
Hake Wellington is back - Don't miss out on our weekly special every Wednesday. Our staple dish will be on the menu every Wednesday until February 25th, offering a limited-time opportunity to delight in its flavors.
Friendly reminders!
On Wednesday’s we have a 20% discount on food for our Hospitality friends and on Sunday’s we have a 20% discount on food for First responders! We love to give back to those who are helping all the time.
*Proof required to make the offer valid. *Discount applied per person
Unwrap Joy: 5 Thoughtful Gifts for the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than with carefully selected gifts that bring joy to your loved ones? At Chez Rosa's French Bistro we have curated a list of five unique gifts that promise to make this festive season unforgettable.
