Issues → March/April 2011 → Food →

Restaurant Review: Shepherd's Pie

by Annie B. Copps

COMMENT

EMAIL

PRINT

SHARE: Pin It

Perched on the craggy hillside overlooking the small harbor in Rockport, Maine, Shepherd's Pie--a new gastropub under the direction of chef Brian Hill--commands a view that is in itself a reason to visit. But then there's Hill's casual but carefully composed fare--the best motivation of all. The namesake shepherd's pie is a rich delight that comes only from slow cooking and proper seasoning--definitely a "must order." But it's the unexpected items from Hill's open kitchen--fried-clam tacos ... steak with South American chimichurri sauce ... a pork-belly sandwich layered with spicy pickled cabbage and crunchy carrots--that we're still thinking about.

Hill is also the chef/owner of Francine, a popular Camden bistro. Now, there's no knocking Camden as a quintessential seaport village, thanks to its gorgeous harbor filled with yachts, fishing boats, and majestic windjammers. But just south of it on Route 1 there's plenty more to do and see. So whether you're a native Mainer or a coastal visitor, don't miss Rockport's thriving cultural vibe--and that includes the delectable comfort fare awaiting you at Shepherd's Pie.

SHEPHERD'S PIE 18 Central St., Rockport, ME 207-236-8500