A Nationally Acclaimed Seacoast Chef Is Bringing Something New to York, Maine
Food lovers have another reason to head to York, Maine...
Chef Lee Frank! Maybe you've heard of him? The buzz around town is that he's opening a brand-new restaurant called Mazon.
But let's back up and visit WHY Frank Lee is such a local legend.
"Frank, a two-time James Beard Northeast finalist," gained national attention as a finalist on NBC's Yes, Chef!, the culinary competition hosted by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, where talented chefs battle through a series of challenges for the grand prize.
Long before his television appearance, Frank had already established himself as a respected name in the Seacoast food scene. He has been cooking in the area since 2005, honing his craft as executive chef at Bonta before leading the kitchen at Arrows in Ogunquit.
When Arrows eventually closed, Frank embraced a new challenge at Anneke Jans, where he gained valuable experience on the business side of the restaurant industry under owner Jason Canty. That knowledge helped pave the way for his next opportunity when Inn by the Bandstand brought him aboard to create and lead The Otis.
Although The Otis closed its doors in May, Frank isn't letting another chapter ending stop him from pursuing what he loves.
Drawing from more than two decades of experience and a loyal following of food fans, he's preparing to begin again with Mazon.
If you're a serious foodie like I am, you probably review photos of the dishes before going to the restaurant... and I do believe a perfectly cooked steak deserves a standing ovation (like the one above).
HOWEVER, in the meantime, while you wait, you can still stop by one of Lee Frank's locations in Exeter, New Hampshire, or South Berwick, Maine, for a mouthwatering burger and loaded fries. Yum!
I have always been a firm believer in this quote: "If you build it, they will come". And that is exactly what keeps panning out for Chef Lee Frank.
If Frank's journey has proven anything, it's that setbacks don't have to define the story. Sometimes they simply point us toward the next chapter.
As Mazon prepares to open its doors, Frank's perseverance serves as a reminder that dreams are worth chasing and that it's never too late to start fresh.
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