Portland, Maine has built itself a reputation as a city that pushes the culinary envelope. But what if I told you that you’d find one of Maine’s best eateries in a small town of less than 700 people? The Quarry, located by Moose Lake in rural Monson, was propelled into the limelight when its talented chef, Lulu Ranta, won a James Beard Award in 2023. This award-winning restaurant in Maine is worth the drive to get there.
Ranta opened The Quarry and transformed her professional life almost coincidentally.
She was always a talented chef, but five years ago, the Libra Foundation, a philanthropic organization supporting various state-wide causes, hired Ranta to cook for its program supporting Maine artists. They needed somewhere to eat, so Ranta created her now acclaimed restaurant.
Though Monson is admittedly an unexpected location to find award-winning fine dining, the small community is Ranta's husband's hometown, and she always had a soft spot for it.
The interior of The Quarry is unpretentious. No matter how extravagant and delicious the food might be, it remains in touch with the quaint, small-town atmosphere.
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Ranta learned to cook while growing up in the Philippines.
Though she was always passionate about food, it wasn't until she turned 47 that she took the leap and pursued her culinary degree at Eastern Maine Community College.
Her food is a reflection of her colorful personality and her aptitude for weaving together American and Filipino influences to create something unforgettable and entirely personal.
Ranta herself likes to call The Quarry "fun dining" rather than "fine dining," and she's proud to report that no matter how much effort she devotes to creating incredible culinary experiences for her guests, she'll still make time to sing them Happy Birthday.
It's her love of food that keeps Ranta innovating, but few other chefs in Maine are as deserving of recognition as she is!
Lulu Ranta’s The Quarry has changed the culinary game, shedding well-deserved light on the accomplishments of rural Maine chefs. Her passion and talent have won the devotion of regulars and rightfully attracted the attention of the James Beard Foundation. Though it may be off the beaten path, her acclaimed eatery in Monson is road-trip worthy and ought to be on the shortlist for any discerning diner seeking an award-winning restaurant in Maine.
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