Salt Restaurant At Wentworth By the Sea Worth Its Sodium for New Year Celebrations & Any Other Time

The Unreal TV connection with this latest of several posts on the Wentworth By the Sea hotel on New Castle Island in New Hampshire relates to an all-time loved episode of a Top 10 favorite sitcom. The aforementioned outing in the (reviewed) '60s fantasycom "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" centers around the titular apparition of the 19th century sea captain transporting the titular widow and her family to the Victorian era. Seeing the coveted house on the Maine coast that our leads share decked out in gas-lights and  old-timey adornments is spectacular. 

A broader television reference to is to a '90s ABC series of a forgotten name that is a "Seinfeld" clone. The oft-told tale in posts in the "Inn Credible New England" section of this site is of the quartet of friends around whom this failedcom centers traveling to hotels in different cities. The "sit" that provides the "com" is that each lobby and even the staff look the same at every location. The appeal of the historic Wentworth and other "inn credible" properties is that they are not "cookie-cutter" lodging establishments. It is clear that the folks there either are born into the hospitality industry or truly love their profession. 

The rest of the story is that a series of unfortunate circumstances and other factors are behind holiday decorations at Chez Nelson being scarce this year. A road-trip for lunch at the Salt restaurant in the Wentworth lobby fulfilled the need for a little Christmas (if not at that very minute). The spoiler is that the experience exceeded high expectations. 

I knew that the magical abilities of general manager Jason Bartlett and his Argonauts did not include time travel; however, the tasteful wreaths and garland on the front of the hotel was the first sign that we were not in the Kansas City Fairview any more. The decorations in the lobby and other public areas include a whimsical upside-down Christmas tree; the highlight is a spectacular gingerbread house that is very tempting to nibble despite the risk of being tossed in the oven of a witch. 

The delight of the meal began with sitting in one of the coveted tables with comfy chairs; the below-pictured table by the fireplace is the hot spot (pun intended) when the weather is conducive to using this amenity. Overhearing the conversations of oblivious people sitting under the dome provides additional entertainment. 

Friendly and attentive Argonaut Ryan also set a nice mood to the extent of an INNOCENT desire to ask if the restaurant motto "fun, local, lively" on his apron referred to him. A desire to not freak out that New Hampshire high-school boy allowed not acting on that resistible impulse.

I enjoyed my reasonably priced and well-seasoned hamburger with a tasty tasty pepper-balsamic aioli to the extent of already craving it when "inn credible" travel (complete with film screenings during some stays) resumes in a few months. The galley slaves seemingly being the only ones at any restaurant to realize that "medium" does not mean bloody rare or cremation black was another highlight.

I equally enjoyed my creme brulee with a small scoop of ice cream, candied pecans, and PERFECTLY TOASTED meringue. Not being adventurous enough to try the paired sweet potato ice cream made substituting vanilla appropriate. 

The food at Salt is more-than-good enough to attract locals and folks who are fortunate enough to stay at the Wentworth. The experience of visiting this historic site and enjoying the hospitality of the Argonauts makes even a lunch road-trip worthy.