Frog and Turtle is a funky French gastropub that has continued to wow our Granite Ridge couples and their guests. I was so excited to get to learn more about their story and learn more about why our couples keep choosing them again and again.
Tell us a little about Frog and Turtle
The Frog and Turtle is Maine’s first Gastropub starting in 2007. Its food is a mixture of classical french comfort food, creole and Chef James’ french-canadian heritage. The energy in the pub is vibrant and full of fun.
What inspired you to open Frog and Turtle?
I was tired of cooking in high end restaurants and wanted to offer well made food at an affordable price. I was inspired by my mother, who would cook so well, night after night for 6 boys and my father. I wanted my restaurant to feel like that.
Are you seeing any trends in food requests for your catering events?
I think bride’s and grooms are being more conscious of their guest needs. We try to make sure they have a menu that has a variety of food and dishes that people can eat and enjoy. We don’t have a list to pick from. We let the bride and groom write the menu so we don’t see as much trendy stuff. We see more request to prepare an ethnic dish from they may have grown up eating.
What is your vision for the future of Frog and Turtle?
Our next goal is a line of sauces and products people can buy. We would always like to open a concert/event venue.
Do you have any advice for someone when looking to hire a caterer?
Shop around and talk to other people who have hired caters and get there thoughts. Make sure you get what you are paying for. I like what we do where we cook on location. I feel it gives a very fresh hot enjoyable preparation to the food. Also have your caterer be part of your rental planning. I find people over rent plates, silverware, glassware ect which can add a lot of expense and cut into your food budget.
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