Dining

Item Description

$75 gift certificate to Amalfi on the Water Restaurant & Bar. Expires 8-22-2012.

About Us:

David Cooke & Nancy Wood met at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 1994 while attending the culinary program. They had both arrived there from different paths but their passion and dedication to the Culinary Arts brought them together and has propelled them on their lifelong pursuit of happiness. They believe that the best food begins with the most wholesome products. They purchase organically whenever possible and support local farmers in their efforts. They believe that a local emphasis is an important part of their success. They also believe that only the freshest, pure, and most flavorful foods are worthy to serve to their customers.

"David Cooke's Amalfi is one reason the revived Penobscot seaport of Rockland is laying claim to being Maine's hippest little city." -Down East Magazine, November 2000

David, a native of Northbrook, Illinois just north of Chicago, worked in various ethnic and diverse restaurants as a teen. He graduated from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. After graduating from CHIC, he spent time as part of an opening team for Marriot hotels which brought him to the four corners of the States. He spent four years after that in Colorado working at some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels there, gaining vast experience. David decided to return to school to get his degree in Culinary Arts at CIA. One of his first jobs after moving to Maine was Executive Chef at the East Wind Inn in Tenant's Harbor. There David learned from the lobstermen, the fishermen, and the locals about the culinary treasures that abound. David remained at the quintessential Maine inn for three years until he was ready to start a restaurant of his own. Initially with a partner, but soon after on his own, David launched Amalfi, a cozy storefront Mediterranean restaurant on Main St. in downtown Rockland. After nine years of great success, the small confines of the space forced him to make the decision to move to the waterfront.

Nancy, a native New Yorker, started her culinary experiences aboard charter and private yachts working her way up to become a private chef for the very rich and not so famous. She lived in Europe for years and attended a private culinary school on the outskirts of Paris. Totally enamored with the culinary world she returned to the States with her young son in tow, to live in Maine and run a catering business. She decided to return to school and achieve her degree in Culinary Arts at CIA. While at school, Nancy was awarded a Julia Child scholarship. One of her greatest moments was meeting Ms. Child in her home in Cambridge to thank her for her support. After graduating in the top 5 of her class at CIA, she took a job with a corporate food service company and became Executive Chef within three years. Traveling with this company, she was able to teach at many locations throughout the United States including Greystone in St. Helena, Ca. After 10 years in the corporate world a little perspective was needed and Nancy took a position as a Culinary instructor at the MidCoast School of Technology in Rockland, Maine. While teaching high school students the art and skill of cooking and living, Nancy worked at Amalfi helping David maintain his very successful Main St. restaurant.

"...this dining establishment differentiates itself from others with its superb Paella, oysters, various fish and meat dishes, and delicious créme brulée. Believe me when I state it was luscious, we have tried this dessert all over the globe, and this restaurant's stands out and put us in caramel paradise!" -Visit New England Online

This joint venture of David and Nancy's has brought together years of training, education and experience to the coastal waters of Maine where their energy and reputations are well regarded. Amalfi on the water is a dream they live. They invite you to come for the view and stay until the sun goes down and the moon rises.

A view to remember, food not to forget.

Item Special Note

This live auction item will offer absentee bidding.

All packing and shipping of items will be handled by The UPS Store. Please contact them for an estimate at 207.594.4200 or store2040@theupsstore.com.

All items and gift certificates may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office on One Park Drive in Rockland. Gift certificates will be mailed to the winners at no charge. If the winner is unable to pick up an item, it will be shipped to them and they will be responsible for all shipping and handling fees, which will be added to the winning bid amount. Items will be shipped and billed at standard industry rates.