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 New England
dining >>> Parker's
Maple Barn, Mason, N.H.
Parker's Maple Barn:
a New England dining legend
by Eric H.
MASON, N.H. --Parker's Maple
Barn is located in the middle of nowhere. From any direction,
you're sure to experience endless winding roads, pine trees that
join for miles, and disbelief that 79,000 people living in Nashua
are only 20 minutes away from seemingly the most quiet place
on Earth.
Why anyone would want to travel
to seemingly the other side of the universe for bacon and eggs
is sincerely answered upon arriving at the bumpy, dirt parking
lot. You feel like you're home, at a nice, warm safe place --
perhaps a reminder of what New England used to be like before
the population boom and commercialization of scenic areas.
The maple barn is actually an
authentic 1800s dairy barn and silo. Inside, the antique cow
stanchions integrated into handmade wooden tables and antique
farm items hanging on the walls create an instant time warp atmosphere
set to dim lighting, bright service, and absolutely electrifying
comfort food.
Sometimes on weekends there can
be a wait -- especially on Sundays -- so a walk through a charming
covered bridge en route to the appealing Corn Crib Gift Shop
makes the time go by quickly. In the gift shop, the smell of
scented candles easily soothes the formerly tense feelings of
waiting for a seat. Maple products, jams, gourmet coffee, toys,
herbal teas, a folksy book collection, natural log furniture
and a great Native American section downstairs
with arts, clothing and jewelry make the time go by quickly.
Another great way to pass time
is visiting Parker's Maple Sugar House (only operating six weeks
of the year, usually March and part of April). Maple syrup production
is done the old-fashioned way using wood-fired evaporators --it
is a great appetizer to what's to come when seated at the dining
room.
When that time arrives to be
seated in the dining room, be prepared for a down-to-earth feast--
Parker's serves breakfast all day and offers some truly unique
lunches. For those interested in breakfast, the Parker's Special
($10.95) is the acknowledged standard with two eggs, two pancakes
(or one french toast), two bacon strip, two sausages and ham
or ham hash in place of all meats, home fries and toast. Particularly
delicious are the pumpkin pancakes, as far away from artifically
flavored as could be.
Without a doubt, the best lunch
item (it's actually a dinner portion) is the sumptuous maple
ribs ($12.95). Why haven't other restaurants thought of this
concoction? A half-rack of these gems goes in a hurry as its
succulent quality demands for rapid eating.
Other great lunch choices include
maple baked beans with ham ($8.95), and a fresh roast turkey
dinner ($9.95). A great soup choice is the flavorful french onion
-- at $4.50 for a bowl, it's a meal by itself.
The hearty maple swiss burger
with maple caramelized onions ($7.25) is more a universal favorite
rather than an acquired taste, as the flavors somehow come together.
It's a nice alternative to the ribs, if looking for a lighter
meal (although it's not exactly light)
Recommended drinks to go along
with the ample portions of food are the delicious maples frappe
($3.25) or hot spiced apple cider ($1.50, but be prepared to
go for a second cup of this addictively spiced beverage). The
seasonal blueberry pie with wild Maine blueberries is a top choice
for dessert.
The service is always pleasant
with salt-of-the-earth waitresses, or salt-of-the earth-in-waiting
younger staff.
Parker's may be in the middle
of nowhere, but true New Englanders living in distant regions
know that the journey can be as enjoyable as the end result.
It's much like New Englanders enduring the long, cold winters,
knowing there is a jewel at the end. The same can be said about
making the effort to get to Parker's and then experiencing its
wonderful food.
Parker's
Maple Barn, 1316 Brookline
Road, Mason, N.H. Tel. (603) 878-2308
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