[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3222-3223]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  RECOGNIZING DAMARISCOTTA RIVER GRILL

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I honor a small restaurant in 
my home State of Maine that has taken a creative approach to bringing 
people together by hosting a number of community-oriented events. 
Located in the charming and quaint town of Damariscotta, the 
Damariscotta River Grill has become a well-known name in the midcoast 
Maine dining scene by providing diners with a comfortable and welcoming 
environment to enjoy a good meal while meeting local artists.
  The Damariscotta River Grill opened in late 2003 and has quickly 
become a recognized name throughout Maine's burgeoning restaurant 
scene. Noted for its fresh and diverse menu, the Grill offers customers 
an eclectic mix of local seafood, meats, and produce. For lunch, the 
restaurant makes a wide array of sandwiches, and on Sundays the 
restaurant prepares a delectable brunch complete with an incredible 
number of options for landlubbers and seafood lovers alike.
  The restaurant has quickly caught the attention of critics from far 
and wide, who all agree that the Damariscotta River Grill is not to be 
missed when visiting Midcoast Maine. Publications as divergent as the 
Boston Herald, New York Times, Portland Press Herald, and Fodor's have 
praised the consistent and mouthwatering cuisine that chef-owner Rick 
Hirsch cooks up year round. Cape Cod Today went as far as to say that 
the restaurant offers ``. . . as original and appealing a menu as any 
in New England''--a ringing endorsement given the number of superb 
establishments throughout the six-state region!
  On March 30, Chef Rick Hirsch will be acknowledged for his hard work 
and dedication in producing such a high-caliber restaurant when he 
receives the Maine Restaurant Association's 2010

[[Page 3223]]

Chef of the Year award at a ceremony in Portland. A graduate of the 
renowned Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, Mr. Hirsch is 
extraordinarily deserving of this prestigious award, which recognizes 
Mr. Hirsch's more than two decades of culinary experience as the owner 
of two restaurants in Maine--the Damariscotta River Grill, as well as 
the Anchor Inn Restaurant in Round Pond--and his Red Plate Catering 
business.
  Additionally, since its inception, the Damariscotta River Grille has 
been an engaged participant in the local community. The Maine winner of 
the National Restaurant Association's 2008 Restaurant Neighbor Award, 
the Damariscotta River Grill contributes regularly and generously to 
numerous regional organizations and initiatives, including the Boys and 
Girls Clubs' wreath sale each year. The restaurant is also involved in 
the annual Chocolate Fest, which was just held last month, to support 
``Healthy Kids!,'' a program that helps prevent child abuse and neglect 
in Lincoln County through educational outreach to families.
  Beyond fundraisers for charities and other organizations, the 
Damariscotta River Grill hosts inventive gatherings to attract the 
restaurant's loyal following. To highlight its Wine Spectator award-
wining wine list, the restaurant's Wine Club features at least six wine 
and food tastings with a wine expert, as well as door prizes and 
discounts on wine purchases. Additionally, the Grill's ``Art At the 
Grill'' series, presently in its 5th year, shines a significant 
spotlight on area artists. The restaurant displays an artist's work for 
a period of time, and hosts a reception, open to the public, where 
guests can speak with the artists about their work. In 2010, the 
restaurant plans to host over 15 artists, including painters, potters, 
photographers and fabric artists through this unique project.
  The Damariscotta River Grill has become a favorite of locals and 
tourists alike because of its wide-ranging menu and unique character 
and charm. Chef Hirsch, along with his wife and business partner, Jean 
Kerrigan, has created something truly special in downtown Damariscotta. 
I congratulate Mr. Hirsch on his well-deserved award, and wish everyone 
at the Damariscotta River Grill a remarkable and successful 
year.

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