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Apollo's Bistro: Dining With A Difference
An elegant 1885 mansion Apollo's Bistro at 91 Silver Street in Waterville is a discovery in fine dining, and in friendliness, in peaceful, tasteful atmosphere, and in excellent food. Owned by Waterville native, Keli Kenyon, the restaurant has been open for three years. Since December 2005 the Chef de Cuisine has been Sean Michael Doherty, also a Waterville native, who has returned home after more than a baker's dozen years away. They both claim strong family connections in the area. Keli's mother owns the Apollo Spa, which occupies the first floor of the building. Sean's father worked a lifetime in the restaurant business; his mother ran True's "Soda Fountain" in Oakland.
Describing his culinary career as a passion, Sean began in the business right after high school. Later, while pursuing his dream of becoming a rock star, he worked in restaurants in Boston, New York, California, and Florida. "I had the opportunity to work with some amazing chefs," Sean states. In 2003, he graduated from the Atlantic Culinary Academy in Dover, NH with a degree in Associate in Science, Culinary Arts, Summa Cum Laude. Among his qualifications: proficient in utilizing locally grown seasonal products. Among his accomplishments: winner of the 2005 Taste of Greater Waterville Best Dessert Award while working at Apollo's for the summer as the pastry chef. Sean describes Apollo's Bistro cuisine as a mix of traditional country, French, Asian, Spanish, Mediterranean, Southwestern and local Maine dishes, all with a unique presentation of sauces, vegetables, seasonings, and garnishes.
"I've cooked almost every type of ethnic food," Sean states of the range of foods that appear on the Apollo's Bistro menu. Typically, the selections of the evening includes six or seven first courses and an equal number of main courses. Does he have a favorite dish? "I don't think anything makes it to the menu unless it's a favorite," he states. What would Sean, and Keli, too, like dinner guests to know? "We're trying to concentrate on the whole experience from start to finish," Sean says. "Consistency is important. We're trying to create something different for Waterville." 
When the lights are low, and the music soft, when the occasion is special or deserves to be made so, think historic mansion Apollo's Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (and also serves lunches just for Apollo Spa guests). For more information or reservations or an enticing sample menu, call 872-8736 or visit www.apollosalonspa.com. | ||
