- Lost Kitchen draws people from all over the country to Freedom, a small town of about 700 people.
- However, for the May-October dining season, those wanting to experience the $265-per-person dinner must submit a postcard for a possible reservation.
- Applications are being accepted and customers are asked to send a standard 4″ x 6″ postcard to their address.
Maine's ultra-fine restaurants are once again open to reservations, but you can only do so by sending a postcard.
The Lost Kitchen draws crowds from all over the country to Freedom, a small town of about 700 people.
But for the May-October dining season, those wanting to experience the $265-per-person dinner must submit a postcard for a chance to make a reservation.
The company is accepting submissions, and customers are asked to send a standard 4-inch by 6-inch postcard to their address.
At this restaurant, which was the subject of a popular TV series, cards are drawn at random and lucky diners are called to make reservations.
Lost Kitchen, run by chef and author Erin French, on Tuesday announced details of its postcard reservation system.
It is one of the most popular restaurant reservations in the United States, receiving approximately 20,000 postcards each season.
The store is asking people not to use envelopes or send multiple envelopes, as duplicate submissions will result in disqualification.
“Please do not send postcards on behalf of others,” the statement said. “In the unlikely event that two family members/parties call to make reservations during the same session, we will decline the second reservation.''
Lost Kitchen, which welcomes about 50 people every night, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Those lucky enough to be selected will spend more than five hours at the secluded facility, which was previously a historic factory.
“Dinner is more than just a meal. [The Lost Kitchen]” says the website.
“It's a night, an adventure, a moment, a memory. An evening with us lasts over 5 hours and consists of many courses that will fill not only your stomach but also your heart.
“The factory will be yours for the entire night, with an intimate group and the undivided attention of Erin and our close-knit team.
“It is our duty to provide you with an experience that not only feels magical but is priceless at the same time.
“Our dinners reflect the value of the best ingredients we can find, our commitment to paying our staff fairly and consciously, and the hard work we provide to our guests. It reflects a unique experience.”
France introduced a postcard system for the first time in 2018 after receiving a flood of reservation calls.
“Everyone had the same opportunity, it just took a little bit of effort,” she previously told News Center Maine.
“If you don't have the patience to write your name on a notecard and drop it in the mail, you probably don't have the patience to endure a four-hour dinner, so basically we were helping people who wanted to do that. ” “have fun.”
Those not selected initially may also be given the opportunity to visit later in the season if other diners cancel.
