Chef Behind ‘The Rooms’ in Portland, Maine, is Finally Opening a ‘House’

For nearly two decades, chef Harding Lee Smith has operated three of the best known restaurants in Portland, Maine.

His initial restaurant, The Front Room, opened in December of 2005. It was followed by The Grill Room in 2008 and then The Corner Room in 2009. All three restaurants continue to be destinations in the city.

While 'The Rooms' have made their mark in Portland, Harding Lee Smith appears to be thinking bigger with his next venture. Because it won't just be a room, it's going to be an entire house.

Chef Harding Lee Smith will Open The Mayville Union House in Bethel, Maine

In August of this year, the former Gracenote Inn & Spa was sold to a private equity firm for nearly two million dollars.

The spectacular property located in Bethel, Maine, will be transformed into the Mayville Union House from Harding Lee Smith.

According to Portland Food Map, the Mayville Union House will serve a menu of comfort food as well as dry-aged steaks.

There's also plans for the Mayville Union House to become a destination wedding venue although plans for that are still being finalized.

Harding Lee Smith is No Stranger to The Bethel, Maine, Area

Nearly 8 years ago, Harding Lee Smith teamed with Sunday River to transform the North Peak Lodge into the Mountain Room.

The unique restaurant sits mid-mountain at Sunday River and features a curated selection of appetizers, salads, toasts as well as sandwiches. The Mountain Room has been a major hit with visitors to the ski resort.

The Mayville Union House does not have a grand opening date as of this writing. Their website simply says "coming soon".