When we go home to Maine we love to eat at the Jordan Pond House. The pond house is located (as you’d imagine) on Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. According to the Jordan Pond House website, “The dining traditions of the Jordan Pond House date back to the late 1800′s. During that era teahouses were established to cater to the growing number of sophisticated summer visitors.” While I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as “sophisticated” nor a “summer visitor”, I do really love popovers and the whole Pond House experience. The view from the lawn is lovely and it’s fun to eat popovers and jam in the warm sun. They are pet friendly, so Brooklyn enjoys going as well.
In recent years we’ve discovered (thanks in part to the Pond House gift shop-which sells popover pans and mix) that we can make equally delicious popovers for a fraction of the price at home. My mother made the beauties above. The best part? At the restaurant you get two popovers and a drink. At home you get as many as you can eat. Not great for my waistline, but good for my wallet.
Cost Breakdown $$$
Cost to go to the Jordan Pond House for tea and popovers:
Cost of one popover at the Pond House- $4.00
Cost of two popovers and a beverage- $9.50 (this is what we usually get)
Total cost including tax and gratuity for 3 people about $35.00!
Cost to make them at home?
Popover mix (we buy this pre-made mix or make our own)-$6.00
Strawberry jam-mom always has this on hand- $0.00
Butter-a staple in our household- $0.00
Lemonade or a soft drink- estimated at less than $1.00 each
Total cost about $9.00! A savings of $26.00!!
Pond House View
View at My Parent’s House (Our “pond” house)
What are we “missing out” on?
I suppose technically, we’re missing out the the very pretty view at the Pond house, but as you’ll see above, the view from my parent’s deck is pretty nice as well. Both are water views, but my parent’s house is right on the water. Another added bonus for staying at home is we don’t have to spend money on gas, don’t have to fight for a parking spot, and don’t have to wait 45 minutes for a table. I can eat my popovers on the deck in my pajamas if I want to. Overall, staying at home just makes more sense for us. Every couple of years we go to the Pond House just for the experience and to get out of the house for a drive, but most years we stay at home and save our money t spend on other things.