Bar Harbor FinestKind Provisions is set to make a splash when it opens this June, bringing a true taste of Maine oysters and lobster rolls to a large deck in South Lake Union. Seattle Met recently shared a progress update on the project, which was announced last fall for 400 Fairview's market hall.
Owner Ben Hodgetts, who grew up in Maine, has a strong resume from Matt's in the Market, where he spent years as bartender then wine director (coincidentally, Dan Bugge, owner of Matt's, is also working on two sea food-focused projects in SLU).
He told the Met to expect oysters from both the Northwest and the Northeast at the raw bar, New England-style clam chowder, "a full slate of cocktails and a subtle lobster shack theme," and a covered patio open to the public during the day then exclusive to Bar Harbor when its beer and wine window opens in the evenings.
Lindsey Hayter, former sous chef at Matt's in the Market, will run Bar Harbor's kitchen, whipping up a "a lineup of crudos, tartare, pickles, and charcuterie," according to the Met. Hodgetts also promised a Northwestern-style Dungeness crab roll to try alongside a Maine lobster roll — and he's seeking a local producer to bake the proper New England split-top buns, which are most akin to hot dog buns.
Close your eyes and you can probably taste the melted butter already.
