KENNEBUNKPORT – Tim Harrington, founding partner of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection , has announced that Joseph A. Schafer has been named the executive chef of Earth at Hidden Pond.  

His appointment became effective Tuesday.

“It is with great pleasure that we bring Joe Schafer back to Kennebunkport to helm the kitchen at Earth,” Harrington said. “Joe’s energy, expertise, and creativity will further burnish Hidden Pond’s luxury reputation.”

“For both personal and professional reasons, returning to Kennebunkport is a dream come true for me and my family,” said Schafer. “It is such an exciting opportunity to join the Hidden Pond team and work with the amazing staff at Earth…we are so happy to be coming back to what already feels like home.”

Schafer spent eight years at The Lodge at Glendorn, a Relais & Chateaux property in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he served as executive chef, co-general manager, and director of food and beverage.  While there, he led the restaurant to achieve its first AAA Four Diamond rating, and earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence eight years in a row. 

In addition to the creation of daily menus and a wine list of 350 selections, he built and managed an onsite garden that produced 72 varieties of vegetables for the restaurant, as well as crafting menus for all banquets, special events and weddings.  He was also responsible for all staffing, budgeting, and purchasing.

He spent a number of years at Relais & Chateaux properties, including most recently as executive chef at Blantyre, a Relais & Chateaux property in Lenox, Massachusetts. From April 2005-2008, he was chef de cuisine at The White Barn Inn in Kennebunk.

“Joe really understands the luxury resort guest and has proven time and again that he knows how to meet and exceed their fine dining expectations,” continued Harrington. “We fully appreciate that our guests choose Hidden Pond for their family vacations, romantic getaways or even weddings for many reasons, and food is a top priority.  We’re excited to see how Joe’s influence will add to the overall resort experience,” he said.

Schafer honed his craft at other luxury resorts including Triple Creek Ranch, a Relais & Chateaux property in Darby, Montana, and Lake Placid Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property in Lake Placid, New York. He has also spent time in restaurants in Europe, such as the Michelin 2-star Restaurant Hélène Darroze in Paris and Trattoria Magafula in Milan.

Schafer is a graduate of the accelerated Advanced Placement program at the New England Culinary Institute in Burlington, Vermont, where he earned an Associates Degree in 2003.  He and his wife, a native of the Kennebunks, have relocated with their two children back to their favorite New England town of Kennebunkport. 

To make a reservation at Earth, call 967-6550 or visit www.earthathiddenpond.com.

For additional information and reservations, please visit www.hiddenpondmaine.com or call (888) 967-9050. Hidden Pond is at 354 Goose Rocks Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046.

Hidden Pond and The Lodge on the Cove are owned and managed by the Kennebunkport Resort Collection,  representing diverse luxury and upscale properties such as The Tides Beach Club, Southern Maine’s only beachfront luxury boutique hotel; the Kennebunkport Inn, centrally located in downtown Kennebunkport; Cape Arundel Inn & Resort, a grand, oceanfront summer estate in nearby Cape Arundel; The Cottages at Cabot Cove, featuring individually designed luxury cottages; the Grand Hotel, located on Chase Hill in Kennebunk; and The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, a social locale situated harbor side on the Kennebunk River. 

KRC also owns and manages restaurants and catering venues in the area.

Information about all KRC hotels and resorts can be found online at www.kennebunkportresortcollection.com or follow @kennebunkportmaine on Instagram. 

 

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