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A Whimsical but Gourmet Dining Experience at Pickity PlaceBy Allyson Murray
Sample Menu from November New England Vegetable Dip Or
After you have completed your gourmet lunch, walk leisurely
through the adjacent gift shop. The rustic shop stocks all sorts of intriguing
items, including the dip mixes and teas served in the dining room. They also
have a large selection of pottery and those hard-to-find kitchen gadgets. If you
are lucky, they may have one or two loaves of
There are usually plenty of Red Hat Society groups in attendance or small groups of women celebrating a special occasion. They also offer a picnic-style lunch basket for children, but there is a sign on the entryway door stating that unruly children will be asked to leave for a time out. I don’t know if any children have been asked to leave, but the sign always makes me laugh. If you are on your way to Grandma’s house and looking for a unique dining experience, try Pickity Place. The small museum dedicated to Little Red Riding Hood’s illustrator is amusing, and the food will keep you coming back happily ever after. Photo Credits: Allyson Murray Contact Information for Pickity Place |
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During
1948, illustrator Elizabeth Orton Jones used her antique cape-style home in
Mason, New Hampshire as inspiration while illustrating the classic story of
Little Red Riding Hood for the Little Golden Book series. Ms. Jones came to New
Hampshire on a business trip, fell in love with the area and remained here until
her death in 2005. Her cottage, formerly known as “Misty Meadow” and the grounds
accompanying it are now the setting of a charming restaurant serving gourmet
lunches.
Ms. Jones would be pleased with the fairy-tale atmosphere
of Pickity Place, as it is known today. If you arrive early for your seating,
take the time to walk around and enjoy the dozen or so potting sheds and herb
gardens scattered throughout the property. Each time that you come here, you’ll
discover something new blooming, since the gardens change with each season. If
you visit in the fall, you’ll witness the once-green leaves changing into
vibrant red and blazing orange, or if you arrive during the spring, the first
crocus emerging from the ground will remind you that warmer temperatures are
around the corner. In the winter, the tranquility of the air and the fresh snow
on the ground are reminiscent of an enchanted forest illustrated by Tasha Tudor.
The restaurant offers three designated seating times,
11:30, 12:45 and 2:00. Reservations are not required; however, the cottage only
seats 50 people, and most guests who frequent here have reservations made months
in advance. The five-course luncheon is planned according to the season and
changes each month. All of the herbs used in the dishes are harvested on the
property, along with the edible flowers. One of the things that I enjoy most
about Pickity Place is the complimentary beverages. When I visit in the summer,
I look forward to a glass of their popular lavender ice tea. During the cooler
months, I love the hot mulled cider served with a fresh cinnamon stick. The
cloves and allspice are a magical concoction that will warm you from head to
toe. The bread is brought to your table fresh from the oven and served with an
herbal butter that compliments the bread. The soups and chowders are simply
divine, with just the right blend of herbs and spices that tantalize your taste
buds. The salads are always bold and served with an imaginative dressing. If you
have questions about anything on the menu, ask your server. She is
highly-educated on the items that are served, since the menu is set for the
entire month and there are only a few options to choose from. The portions are
just right so that you’ll have room for their magnificent desserts.
Tortellini Primavera
their
homemade bread to purchase and bring home as a treat for later on. If you are
interested in learning more about planting herbs and how to use them for
everyday cooking, the restaurant does offer workshops. Classes for people with
green thumbs are small and include lunch, so reservations are required.